Hi, I’m in distress mental burnout situation. I couldn’t find back any interest in career or job. I trying to transit from 8years caregiving to back to work force for part time job with not much experience low education. My previous full time job role was redundant and replaced by automation during the past 8years while i am doing caregiving for family members with life span affected. Wasn’t able received any respond or was rejected, ghosted by many hr and recuiter as say i got no skill that they are looking for. Non-pmet, low entry job retail and f&b. I’m not in good physical health having hypertension and often sudden giddy doctor say it likely due to stressful life. I also have hyperhidrosis. Cap will absorb my sweat and starts dripping happened before in my early teenage job. Walked and looking for pt f&b job around my neighbourhood and shopping malls 90% are wearing cap 10% are supervisor or manager not required to wear cap as part of their uniform.
Just wondering do all working in f&b have to wear a cap now?
Does seeking e2i or career coaches do job referral or job placement near staying area or after career coaching still have to look for own job? I’m feel detached from the digital and working environment.
Thanks in advance for responding and advices.
Updates:
Been a family Caregiver for 3 family members with life spans affected for past 8years, 2 of them has passed away mum and sibling. Refer my dad to nursing home care as medical social worker advice as my father medical situation is getting greater as multiple conditions and bed bound and i cant handle my mental and physical health anymore.
I went in and out of extreme depression state multiple time.
Did job interviews the interviewer asked if I’m okay, as i not aware my body is shaking/vibrating. I did badly or not so responsive to their qns. Didn’t get back after that interview.
I went to e2i center but required to book a slot for career coach, which i have done booking and waiting for the appointment date.
Trying to update my resume but i feel depressed and cried multiple times as like no point of updating non-pmet.
Seen some online reviews career coach will juz assign any job role. Saw a posting reviews of career coach recommended an engineer to do security guard. And they juz help you juz do ammendments on resume only. Is it true?
I’m having doubts if i really need to seek for they advices as my resume is so redundant.
What do i have bring for e2i career coaching?
Do we need to commit to e2i after 1st seeking or juz on our own aft the 1 st meeting? I dun wan to commit to any job role which i unsuitable for.
I seem to lost interest in everything in life and starts becoming a shut in. Don’t like to talk or interaction. Having social anxiety and depression losing my appetite but not seeing doctor. Trying to overcome it myself first. As i already on tight finances with high blood pressure frequent giddy or headache on and off and recently diagnosed one of heart vein starts to have constraints and rare side effects of the medication of symptoms of muscle damages hit me hard till i cant walk or get out of bed til i stop the heart medication for 2mth. Trying to do some work out to training back my leg muscles. Haven’t get back to doctor as i dun wan to take anymore medication to worsten my body.
Any advice or guidance, getting training and placement part time job role. I search online only for yellow ribbon or SAMH and sg enable is only for referral with physical or mental certification.
Any advice or past experience person who’s able to transit back to workforce for part time after long term of family caring.
I really dunno where i can get advice. Or some place i can talk/vent out to. I realised i have become introverted and fell behind as the world changing.
Thanks in advance for your time of reading, responding and advices.
Hey @Shattered
first of all, I want to say how strong you are for continuing to try despite all the challenges you’ve faced.
and making a transition back into the workforce after such a tough and stressful period is never easy, and it takes a lot of courage and patience.
Every small step you take is moving you closer to a better place it’s okay to take your time and be gentle with yourself along the way.
Don’t give up on yourself…your efforts matter, even if progress feels slow.
It sounds like you’re going through a really tough transition, and I want to acknowledge how much you’ve been carrying—both in caregiving and now trying to re-enter the workforce. That’s a huge shift, and it makes sense that you’re feeling burnt out and detached.
Regarding career coaching, e2i career coaches can provide personalized job matching services, career guidance, and support for transitioning into new industries. They can help assess your skills, recommend relevant workshops, and guide you through the job search process. After career coaching, you may still need to actively search for jobs, but they can help expand your options and improve your chances. You can book an appointment here.
For F&B roles, wearing a cap depends on the workplace—some require it for hygiene reasons, while others may not. It’s best to check with specific employers when applying.
One important thing to remember—rejections do not define you. Job searching is a numbers game, and sometimes it’s just about mass applying until something clicks. It can take time, especially after a long break, but that doesn’t mean you’re not valuable. My mom also had a 13-year break due to caregiving and illness, and it took her a few months to find a role that fit both her experience and health. You’re not alone in this process, and it’s always okay to quit and reapply if a job doesn’t work out.
You’re making an effort, and that matters. The career coach is a great place to start, and I truly hope you find something that works for you. Hang in there—you’ve already overcome so much.
What you’re carrying is immense - 8 years of caregiving through life-limiting illness, career disruption from automation, health challenges, and the exhausting cycle of job rejections. It’s no wonder you feel detached and burned out. Your exhaustion is valid. Caregiving is invisible labor that demands superhuman strength, yet the world rarely recognizes those skills. Let’s unpack this step by step – you don’t have to face it alone.
Key Support Options & Answers
e2i & Career Coaches:
e2i offers job placement support (not just coaching), especially for non-PMET roles. They partner with employers and can refer you directly to openings near your home – request this explicitly.
Career coaches help reframe your caregiving skills (crisis management, patience, logistics) for retail/F&B – insist they translate your experience into industry language.
Walk in to e2i centres if online applications stall – in-person support often yields faster results.
F&B Dress Codes:
Caps/hairnets are common for food handling roles (health regulations) but not always for cashier/host positions. Ask directly: “Is headwear required for this specific role?”
For hyperhidrosis: Request breathable fabric caps (some employers allow this) or explore roles with minimal customer visibility (e.g. stockroom, dishwasher).
Health & Work Balance:
Prioritize employers offering flexible shifts – stress-triggered hypertension/giddiness needs accommodation. When applying: “I thrive in consistent schedules – are fixed shifts possible?”
Disclose strategically: Share only necessary health details after job offers (e.g. “I manage a minor condition with my doctor – it won’t impact my work”).
Rebuilding Your Foundation
Your caregiving skills ARE valuable:
Add these to resumes/LinkedIn – they resonate with customer-facing roles.
Start micro:
→ Volunteer 1x/week at a community thrift store/library to rebuild routine.
→ Try temporary roles via agencies like Recruit Express – lowers commitment anxiety.
→ Explore non-public roles: Stock replenishment, early-morning bakery prep.
Hyperhidrosis solutions: Antiperspirants like SweatBlock or iontophoresis devices covered by MediSave.
You Are Not Your Resume
The rejection isn’t about your worth – it’s a broken system failing to see caregiver skills. Detachment is a shield after years of pouring into others.
“Rest is not surrender – it’s repair. Your next step isn’t a career; it’s remembering you exist beyond labor.”
Immediate Next Steps:
Visit e2i in person (find your nearest centre here).
Apply to SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways – traineeships with allowances.
Call NTUC’s Caregivers Alliance: 6354-1199 – they help caregivers re-enter the workforce.
This transition is a marathon, not a sprint. Where do you need the most support right now – practical job search tactics, emotional space, or health management?
First, i would like to commend your strength for caring for your family for the past 8 years. It is not an easy task - mentally and physically - and it truly requires selfless love. Your family is very lucky to have you.
Next, I believe strongly that given the immense strength you have displayed thus far in life, you have the strength to continue on. Life has so many good things in store for you. Please dont give up now! Hang on.
Perhaps you can try using myskillsfuture credits to take on courses that may be useful in the workforce? I know of many who utilised their credits efficiently to obtain certifications that are useful in securing jobs!
it’s okay to take your time and be gentle with yourself along the way.
